Limited Liability Company (SRL) in Romania — HR & Recruitment Agency Formation Guide
Consider jurisdictions with clear labor leasing laws and favorable payroll tax structures if you plan to act as an Employer of Record (EOR). Data privacy compliance (like GDPR) is critical when handling candidate data.
Last verified: June 13, 2026
Corporate Tax
16.0%
State Tax
0.0%
Formation Cost
$30
Annual Fee
$0
Forming a Limited Liability Company (SRL) in Romania as a HR & Recruitment Agency means a total tax burden of 16.0% and an official formation cost of $30. The minimum capital requirement is 110 USD. Standard formation takes 3-5 business days, or 1-2 days expedited. No local director is required; the process can be managed remotely. This guide covers the steps, tax breakdown, banking options, and compliance requirements — all from verified data.
First-year total cost
≈ $3,310
Ongoing (per year)
≈ $2,150
Why Limited Liability Company (SRL) for HR & Recruitment Agency?
A business model focused on sourcing, vetting, and placing candidates for client companies, or providing comprehensive human resources and payroll management services.
Ideal for
- Headhunters and executive search consultants
- Employer of Record (EOR) startups
- Freelance recruiters
- Global payroll providers
Challenges to watch
- Strict data protection and privacy regulations (GDPR, CCPA)
- Complex cross-border employment and tax laws
- High liability risks regarding employee misclassification
- Licensing requirements for temporary work agencies in many countries
Key decision criteria
- Does the jurisdiction require a specific license to operate a recruitment or staffing agency?
- Are there favorable tax treaties to prevent double taxation for cross-border placements?
- How strict are the local labor laws regarding temporary staffing and contractor classification?
Limited Liability Company (SRL) formation requirements
Minimum capital
110 USD
Standard timeline
3-5 business days
Expedited timeline
1-2 days
Local director
Not required
Registered office
Virtual office allowed
Notarization
Required
Foreigners can be 100% shareholders and directors. No local residency is required.
Estimated breakdown (based on avg. $250,000 revenue)
Simulate with your own revenue →
VAT / Sales Tax
Standard rate 21%. Registration threshold: 395,000 RON. Non-resident providers of digital services to Romanian consumers must register for VAT under the EU OSS scheme or locally, with no registration threshold.
Banking & payments for HR & Recruitment Agency
Opening a traditional corporate bank account in Romania as a non-resident founder is highly challenging due to strict KYC and AML regulations. Most local banks require a physical visit, proof of local substance, or a notarized power of attorney. Consequently, many foreign founders rely on digital platforms like Revolut Business or Wise for their initial operations.
Supported payment gateways
Remote-friendly accounts
Revolut Business
Highly popular among foreign founders of Romanian SRLs. Offers fully remote account opening, multi-currency accounts, and seamless EU integration.
Wise
Excellent for international transfers and holding multiple currencies. Account can be opened remotely, though local RON details are provided via partner banks.
Romania incentives & advantages
Micro-Enterprise Tax Regime
1% flat tax on gross revenue (turnover).
IT Salary Tax Exemption
0% personal income tax (standard is 10%) on qualifying salary.
R&D Tax Credit
Optional 10% tax credit or an additional 50% deduction of eligible R&D expenses.
Limited Liability Company (SRL) formation steps
Choose a unique company name and reserve it with the National Trade Register Office (ONRC).
Define the company's main and secondary activities using CAEN codes.
Draft and notarize the Articles of Association (Act Constitutiv) and prepare founder affidavits.
Secure a registered office address (sediu social) in Romania (can use a virtual office for the first year).
Deposit the minimum share capital of RON 500 into a temporary capital account.
Submit the incorporation file to the ONRC (can be done online with an electronic signature or via proxy).
Obtain the Certificate of Registration (CUI) and register for tax and VAT (if applicable).
Open a permanent corporate bank account and activate internet banking.
Hire at least one employee to activate the 1% micro-enterprise tax regime.
HR & Recruitment Agency FAQ
Do I need a special license to start a recruitment agency?
It depends on the jurisdiction and your exact model. Executive search often requires no license, but temporary staffing or acting as an Employer of Record (EOR) usually requires strict licensing and capital deposits.
Which country is best for a global HR agency?
Countries with strong B2B service sectors, clear employment laws, and extensive double tax treaty networks, such as the UK, Singapore, or Estonia, are popular choices for global HR operations.
Ready to form your Limited Liability Company (SRL)?
Trusted formation partners are coming soon.
Related terms
Key concepts you'll encounter when forming a HR & Recruitment Agency
Related guides
Complete Limited Liability Company (SRL) guide
Taxes, requirements, banking, compliance
Limited Liability Company (SRL) cost calculator
One-time and annual cost breakdown
🇧🇬 HR & Recruitment Agency — Single-Member Limited Liability Company (EOOD)
Tax 10.0% · formation $30
🇨🇾 HR & Recruitment Agency — Variable Capital Investment Company (VCIC)
Tax 15.0% · formation $180
🇨🇾 HR & Recruitment Agency — Company Limited by Guarantee
Tax 15.0% · formation $265
🇨🇾 HR & Recruitment Agency — Sole Proprietorship
Tax 0.0% · formation $100
🚀 SaaS Startup — Limited Liability Company (SRL)
Same entity, different business model guide
📦 Amazon FBA & E-Commerce — Limited Liability Company (SRL)
Same entity, different business model guide